You Are My Yellow follows a very yellow monster trying to hide who he is in very green land until he meets a dragon who helps him find self-acceptance. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I wanted to create a story that would resonate with both children and adults. A friendship like theirs can spark conversation, inspire reflection, evoke memories, and bring moments of shared joy. Most importantly, it can foster understanding and nurture empathy. By placing a friendship like this at the heart of the story, I aimed to create a shared emotional experience that readers of all ages could connect with.

As the book took shape, it became increasingly apparent that the tenderness of their bond offered a different perspective. Through Penny’s fresh and accepting view of Tony, the mistaken belief that his yellow color is somehow a problem is gently and naturally challenged. Their friendship ultimately becomes a celebration of self-acceptance and kindness.

Why did you choose the color yellow as the symbol of Tony’s uniqueness?

I was inspired by nature and the way the lightest shades of green can appear almost yellow, blending beautifully with the colors around them. This became a clear metaphor for my story. Neither Tony nor the other monsters at his school could see how naturally he belonged in Land Green, how beautifully he complemented his surroundings, or how joyful and vibrant his own color truly was.

While Tony’s uniqueness is impossible to ignore, his bright yellow color helps underscore the story’s central message. He never needed to change to belong. His difference was never a flaw. In fact, it was part of what made him shine.

Penny ultimately discovers that her differences are what allow her to save the day. What do you think children can learn from that moment?

Not only is it a pivotal moment in the story, but it also reflects a truth about life. Our talents are not all the same, and what may seem irrelevant or insignificant in one situation can prove invaluable in another. For me, this is one of the story´s most important themes. There are no flaws, only different abilities, each with its own purpose and value.

Penny’s self-worth was never defined by her inability to breathe fire. She simply had a different talent, one that was equally important and better suited to another situation. Her love for her friend Tony helped her understand this, and I find it to be a beautiful lesson for children.

What do you hope children remember most after they finish reading You Are My Yellow? 

My intention was to show how difficult it can be for Tony to navigate his sense of not belonging. His perspective is easy to understand, creating a natural sense of compassion. We see him almost through Penny’s eyes, and as the story unfolds, it also becomes clear that Penny struggles with her own lack of self-belief. Through her love for Tony, however, she begins to discover the courage and self-worth she has always had within her.

At its heart, the story is an exploration of empathy, courage, and self-esteem. I hope children come away understanding that they do not need to change who they are to be accepted, but instead learn to embrace their own uniqueness.

I also hope the story sparks meaningful conversations at home or in the classroom. Does Tony’s origin really matter? Was his aunt right to give him the advice she did? Or did Penny simply need to believe in her own abilities? I love the idea of children reaching their own conclusions and sharing different perspectives with one another.

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